Calvary Prophecy Report

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And
there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great
city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her
fornication (Revelation 14:8).

Many speculations have been raised over the identity of “Mystery
Babylon”. Is it a country, empire or system of some sort? Is it symbolic or
literal? Is Babylon religious, commercial or political? What does the Bible have to say about this
mysterious Babylon?

During the tribulation period there will be a nation that will rule over
the Antichrist and his ten-nation kingdom (Revelation 17:1-18). They will
dictate what the Antichrist can and cannot do for the first part of the
tribulation period. They will be a formidable dynasty of that time period. Not
only will this country have great worldwide political power, it will also be
very wealthy and religious in nature. Notice in the description that Babylon is
pictured as a harlot riding a beast (Antichrist). The beast has ten horns
(revived Roman Empire) representing ten nations, which are subject to the beast.
In essence, Mystery Babylon will allow the beast and the ten nations to act as a
power of their own, but she will remain very much in control. As stated earlier,
this will change toward the middle of the tribulation period.

So what or who is this Mystery Babylon? How should it be interpreted?
Dr. Thomas Ice, Director of the Pre-Trib Research Center, believes Mystery
Babylon will be the literal city of Babylon. He states in his article, Babylon
In Bible Prophecy, “Down through church history most Bible interpreters
have thought that Babylon was some kind of code word for some other entity, like
the Roman Empire, Roman Catholicism, apostate Christianity, or even the United
States or Great Britain. However, I believe that just like Israel always refers
to Israel in the Bible, so also Babylon always refers to Babylon (Pre-Trib
Research Center).”

I would agree with Mr. Ice if the Bible referred to this city/state as
Babylon. It does not and I think for
good reason. One, I believe it was referred to as Mystery Babylon because it was
intended to be a mystery until the time appointed. The Apostle John may not have even known its identity at the time.
Second, it may have been called Mystery Babylon due to the fact this city/state or nation
had yet to come onto the world scene. Meaning…it was not a city/state or
nation known to the world at that time. Nowhere in the Bible is a city/state or
nation, yet to be born (Australia, United States, London, New York City, etc.),
addressed by its future name. Certainly,
there are examples specified of future Biblical dynasty’s (Daniel 2, 7, 8
& 11) to come, but no modern day names are ever given unless that nation was
also known of that time.

This leads me to this conclusion. Although many Bible scholars denounce
this conclusion, I am convinced Mystery Babylon is the United States. Many
believe that in the years to come the economic tide will turn toward the
European Union and lead to the decline of America. For years I have heard the cries of world economists predicting the coming
stock market crash, the collapse of the dollar (all fueled by an out-of-control
deficient), and the impending doom of the American economic structure as we know
it.

Some in the prophecy world believe, once the rapture takes place, the US
will suffer a great population decline that will reduce them to the status of a
third world country. If that is the case, their rapture prediction is a whole
lot more liberal than mine. Conservatively, I see between 45 and 75 million
people (15-25% of total pop.) being raptured from the US. With a total US
population of over 300 million and climbing, that would leave between 225 and
255 million people behind. It hasn’t been that long since the US was at those
population figures (1990; 249 mil.). And as far as their superpower status is
concerned, all advanced military technology and nuclear weapons will be left
behind and fully functional. I can’t see how the rapture of the church will
negatively affect or change the US military might that is still on the ground.
The US will still remain the sole world superpower before and after the rapture
of the church.

Now let’s move onto the economic side. I believe America will continue
to be financially strong up until the end. They may have a few bumps in the
road, as they are experiencing now, but I don’t see anything major that they
will not be able to overcome. According to a fall 2012 Stratfor financial
report, of the three major world economies (US, China, and EU), the US was
believed to be in the best financial shape.

It’s very possible the Antichrist may rise to global prominence
through his economic plan that brings the world markets back in harmony (Daniel
8:25). However, so goes the US economy will determine the strength and stability
of the world economy. The Bible is clear wealthy nations will exist during the
tribulation period (Revelation 18:10-19).

When the rapture occurs, the Christian influence will be taken out of America, and hedonism and materialism will shift into high gear. Revelation 18:13 proclaims that they will sell or do anything for profit, “… And cinnamon,
and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour,
and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and
souls of men.”

Mystery Babylon is described more fully in Revelation 18 and bears a
striking resemblance to the US. This chapter not only describes the demise of a
country, but the magnitude of its greatness. Speaking about the magnitude of its
greatness, the Bible states that after Mystery Babylon was destroyed, from a
distance, the kings of the earth and merchants of the sea wept and moaned over
her desolation, “And saying, alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in
fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones,
and pearls! For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every
shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by
sea, stood afar off, and cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying,
what city is like unto this great city! And they cast dust on their heads, and
cried, weeping and wailing, saying, alas, alas, that great city, wherein were
made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! For in one
hour is she made desolate (Revelation 18:16-19).”

Mystery Babylon is described in the Bible as a harlot. The only other
nation called a harlot in the Bible was Israel. To be called a harlot by God is
to infer that this end-times nation once had a relationship with God. As history
attests, the US is a nation that was founded on the principles of the Bible and
proudly displays the phrase “In God We Trust” on their currency. They are
also Israel’s greatest friend and ally.

Mystery Babylon is further described as a country that is considered the
greatest commercial profit center of its time. No other nation can even be
compared to its great wealth. All the nations of the world have become rich due
to their trade with this country. The merchants of this nation were known as the
great men of the world. When it is destroyed world trade will be devastated.
This will be a great worldwide lose both financially and politically. The
destruction of this country will be so severe that it will be uninhabitable. Not
even the light of one lamp will be found in this place. For in one day it will
be reduced to rubble.

The reason for this total destruction is found in the above latter
verses. “For by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. And in her was found
the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the
earth.” You might say, “The United States has only been around for a little
over two hundred years, why would God say that they have slain and shed the
blood of the prophets?”

This passage has always been a problem for Bible scholars. However, no
nation, other than Israel, has been guilty of shedding the blood of the
prophets…not Rome or even ancient Babylon. Also
mentioned in this verse is the worldwide shedding of the blood of the Saints.
Certainly, that could include the Romans, the Muslims or any number of dynasties
that have existed over the centuries. When I did a Greek search on the word
“prophets” (G4396) found in Revelation 18:24, I discovered the word was the
same throughout the New Testament even when referring to the Old Testament
prophets. It could mean someone who had the gift of a prophet (preacher of the
Gospel) or someone who foretells the future.

I believe it’s very possible God could be referring to the killing of
the Saints and prophets of that day. You can bet, when the tribulation period
commences, and the great slaughter of the Saints begins (Revelation 7:14-17),
the US will commit its share of atrocities. I fully believe God’s two
witnesses and the 144,000 witnesses will be considered prophets of that day as
well (Acts 2:17-21). During the tribulation period, there will be a great
slaughter of Christians around the world including in the US (Revelation
7:9-17). This truly will be a Godless time for mankind.

The Religious Side of Mystery Babylon

There is also a religious side to Mystery Babylon. Some believe, after
the rapture occurs, that many of the religions of the world will band together
and form a one-world religion to worship God in any way he/she may desire. It
will not be a Christ centered religion but a one God under many different names
religion…a type of freedom religion. After all, God is everywhere and goes by
many names in different parts of the world. This will be their rationale.

The United Religions will probably place its headquarters at the Vatican
and the Pope (possibly the false prophet) will be appointed to lead it. Although
Rome will probably be the world headquarters, the United States will be its powerful ally. Charles C. Ryrie describes religious Babylon as follows:

Babylon will likely build on the remnants of the professing Christian church that
existed before the Rapture. Professing Christians who will not be raptured will
remain to form the base of this “church”. Tribulation saints, of course,
will oppose this false church. The harlotry of this system will extend to
“many waters,” which means to many people and will include alliances with
leaders of the earth. In other words, the power of this church will be enhanced
by political alliances (Ryrie, Charles, C., Revelation, Religious Babylon, p. 117).

God looks at this religious system as a harlot because it has become
interwoven with the world. They have a form of God, but in reality, are no more
than a religious order. They saw themselves as the church of Christ, but allowed
themselves to be polluted with worldly lusts and the pleasures therein.

Religious Babylon is not a physical country with a standing army, but a literal system that will
have worldwide influence in many powerful countries. Both the Antichrist and the
religious system will use each other to gain position and power. But in the end,
the false prophet, as a wolf in sheep’s clothing, will betray religious
Babylon and promote the Antichrist as God.

Scenario: Mystery Babylon Destroyed

This is the scenario that I see for religious and political Babylon.
Future political Mystery Babylon is the United States. The United Religions
(possibly World Council of Churches) is the religious side of the empire. Both
will rule together as a wealthy and politically powerful partnership. The United
Religions will rule from Rome and the United States will rule the world through the United Nations as it does today. At the
beginning of the tribulation period, I believe the Antichrist will become the
head of European Union. He and his ten kings will be global partners with the
United States. For the first 3½ years the United States (Mystery Babylon) will control
the Antichrist and his ten-nation confederacy.

At around the middle of the tribulation period, after Satan is defeated
and removed from heaven, he will enter the Antichrist. This will start the
beginning of the end for the US and the UR. For Satan would not be ruled over by
God, and will not tolerate being ruled over by man either. God, at this time,
will use the Antichrist and his kingdom to exact judgment upon this wicked
nation.

And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and
shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with
fire. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and
give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled
(Revelation 17:16- 17).

The Antichrist and his kingdom will turn on the United States, and
whatever allies it may have, and launch an all-out nuclear attack. The
destruction from the U.S. counter attack is not mentioned, but I’m sure there will be casualties. Not
only are the United States and its allies (if any) defeated, the destruction is so dreadful that the land
is no longer fit for use or to live on. This destruction would be consistent
with what would happen during a nuclear attack.

The defeat is so swift and decisive it will leave the rest of the world
terrified and shocked. For this was the greatest nation on the face of the earth
and in one hour they have been completely destroyed. Kings, dignitaries, and
businessmen are all left wondering what will happen next as they scramble to
recoup losses and position themselves for what may happen with this dramatic
change of power.

I also believe this will make way for (or make necessary) the
Antichrist’s one world economic system and government. From this point on, no earthly power will be able to fight against him or
stand in his way (Revelation 13).

Mystery Babylon: New
York City Or Rome

I’m certain many
who will read this article will believe that it is not the entire US that will
be Mystery Babylon since it is described many times in the Bible as a city
(Revelation 14:8; 16:19; 17:18; 18:10, 16, 18-19, 21). Most will in fact state that this great city is none other than New York
City the financial capital of the world. Many believe it is this city alone that
will be destroyed by the ten kingdoms of the Antichrist…never to be inhabited
again.

If indeed, we are to believe Mystery Babylon is no larger than a single
city, located within the boundaries of the most powerful nation of that day
(Revelation 17:18), wouldn’t you think there would be a massive retaliation
from the rest of that surviving nation? Destroying one major city (even the
world financial center) of any great country would not prevent the rest of that
nation from going forward and striking back militarily. It also would not
prevent the purchase and distribution of goods from the merchants (Revelation
18:9-19) of the world. In the case of the US, there are many massive seaports
along both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In my opinion, these key points
create significant problems in the identifying of Mystery Babylon as a single
city.

I suspect that many will discount my speculations right off the bat.
However, if we are indeed living in the last of the last days as most Bible
prophecy scholars believe, a city, state or country with the military and
financial power of the United States better begin to rise up soon. Stratfor
estimates it would take more than 20 years for a nation to eclipse the stature
of the US. China has been rising for more than 20 years and has still fallen
short. Frankly, I see no other nation for which the Bible says will reign over
the kings of the earth (Revelation 17:18) on the horizon. And if you’re honest with yourself, neither do you.

The preceding article on Mystery Babylon was taken
from my book Rapture, Tribulation
Period, And Beyond! This is one example of many unique outlooks I
have for the last days. If you are
interested in learning about what will happen after the rapture, during the
tribulation, the millennium, and on into the eternal state, in order, I would
encourage you to pick up a copy. To purchase a copy click
here.

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